Leicester City manager Claude Puel has paid tribute to late chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and described how he made everyone who worked for him feel part of his family.

The City boss described the death of Khun Vichai and four others in a helicopter crash following the draw with West Ham United last Saturday as the hardest period of his career so far, but shared memories of the times he spent with the Thai billionaire and spoke of his amazing generosity.

Puel said Khun Vichai was driven to make people happy and fostered the family atmosphere that has led to such an outpouring of grief from across the Leicester community.

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Puel also revealed the last time he saw Khun Vichai, before the game against the Hammers, and described the incredible grief and shock that instantly swept through the club after the tragedy.

“I didn't see him after the game, I saw him before,” he said.

“He was enjoying it, he was happy, smiling, we discussed a lot. It was a pleasure. I could not imagine the thing that came after.

“Of course it's the hardest moment in my career. My feeling is to be close to all people in the club, the players, the staff.

“When I saw all this sorrow, it's difficult. I'm devastated like all the people but I have a responsibility also to move together and look forward, and to try to bring my support and also to look forward.

“It is difficult of course because there is a lot of emotion at one time, but we need to move on together.

“And I was happy with all the reactions of the players and staff. They were strong in their sorrow. Like Top and his mother.